The spy-hopping whale

Why do whales spy-hop? This is their way of having a closer look above the surface of the water. Their eyes are located at the base of their long jaws, close to the start of their pectoral (side) fins. Whales have large eyes and they use their sight below and above water to check their surroundings. We often find them spy-hopping near obvious landmarks, perhaps to orientate themselves, and also when they come up to the boat to what appears to be people-watching!

Seeing their entire rostrum emerge vertically out of the water gives you a really good perspective of their size too. During the past weeks of Prom Whale cruises we have had quite a few adult humpback whales spy-hop near the boat, offering passengers and crew a very close look at their unique and fascinating heads! In these photos you can see the acorn barnacles very well too, the invertebrates that catch a ride on the whale’s chin, fins and tails.